Summer Reading Challenge
Campaign Branding & Illustration
I created the full visual identity for the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Summer Reading Challenge, including illustrated characters, print materials, digital graphics, and promotional assets. The goal was to build a bold, attention‑grabbing campaign that encouraged participation across all age groups and felt fun, inclusive, and easy to recognize throughout the library system.
The Challenge
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Create a campaign that appeals to kids, teens, and adults
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Build characters and visuals that feel friendly, energetic, and inclusive
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Design materials that work across print, digital, and in‑branch displays
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Ensure the campaign is instantly recognizable across all 23 library locations
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Balance playful illustration with clear, accessible information
Key Features
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Character Expansion, grew two existing characters into a full illustrated cast (Power Pup, Witty Writer, Page Turner, Speedy Reader, Reading Ranger)
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Hand‑Illustrated Activity Book, a fully custom, multi‑page book designed and illustrated by hand
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System‑Wide Campaign, visuals used across all 23 Columbus Metropolitan Library locations
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Billboard Design, large‑format graphics displayed throughout central Ohio
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Print + Digital Materials, posters, flyers, social graphics, in‑branch signage, and promotional assets
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Inclusive Visual Storytelling, characters and scenes intentionally designed to represent a diverse community of readers
The Approach
I developed the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Summer Reading Challenge campaign from 2020 through 2026, creating a bright, high‑contrast visual system built around custom illustrated characters and bold, energetic color palettes. The identity needed to be instantly recognizable across all 23 library locations and from the billboards placed throughout central Ohio.
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I expanded the two original characters from the previous year into a full, hand‑illustrated cast, creating Power Pup, Witty Writer, Page Turner, Speedy Reader, and Reading Ranger. Alongside the character suite, I illustrated the Columbus skyline graphic, and I designed supporting icons and a complete range of promotional materials including posters, flyers, social graphics, in‑branch signage, and a fully hand‑illustrated activity book.
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Every element was intentionally crafted to represent a diverse community of readers, ensuring the campaign felt welcoming, inclusive, and exciting for families across central Ohio.
2026 Activity booklet spread about the Columbus Crew.
2026 Sign up poster including photos I have taken.
2025 Activity booklet with an art theme spread.
2024 billboard design without sponsors. The same design was used for 2025, but the dates and sponsors were updated.
2021 Activity booklet. My first one!
Individual character stickers for sale in the library store.
The Outcome
The Summer Reading Challenge became one of the library’s most recognizable annual campaigns, with bold visuals and inclusive characters that resonated across central Ohio. The system‑wide identity created consistency across all 23 locations, supported strong community participation, and brought excitement to families throughout the summer.
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Large‑format billboards helped extend the campaign beyond the branches, while the fully hand‑illustrated activity book offered an engaging, tactile experience for young readers. The multi‑year evolution of the character suite and promotional materials strengthened the brand year after year, making the Summer Reading Challenge a joyful, memorable part of the library’s community outreach.